Being Bolivian I really should know more about the traditional dances.. Caporales – is one of the most popular – but many people likely don’t know that its inspired by the slave master “Caporal”…

‘Caporal’ was the overseer of the black slaves in the Yungas region – was usually mixed race, wore boots and held a whip (I think this mimiced by the hankerchief?).

This dance is characteristic of Saya music which originated in Bolivia originated in Yungas where the one of the only Afro-bolivian community exists in Tocana. While only 1% of the population they have profoundly influenced traditional Bolivian dance and music.

While we were in the Yungas with Rahman Jamaal Mc we were a few hours hike through the jungle to the community of Tocana. But fate would have it we spent the day in the community hospital of Coroico 😉 … to be continued

If you can visit one day it will blow you away. Imagine the Andes with peaks reaching 7000m / 21000 ft meeting the Amazon basin – a population composed between 40-60% (sources give varying stats) of indigenous and meztizo tribes, 33 plus languages still spoken …

http://minorityrights.org/minorities/lowland-indigenous-peoples/

While not presented this in the video – I wanted to add how much my experiences working with different indigenous people in Bolivia and other countries in Latin America, has profoundly impacted my life. I feel that in “developing” we have lost touch with the natural world, and this disconnect has contributed to our capacity to justify consuming natural resources at an unsustainable rate.

The struggles of indigenous peoples worldwide to not cease to exist is directly related to protecting the environment.. and we can see how their voices are not being heard, not being valued.

“80-85% of the Earth’s remaining biodiversity is located in Indigenous Territories. Standing with, learning from and honoring Indigenous peoples who act as the natural custodians of the forests must be a top priority – there will be no climate justice without respect for Indigenous rights, knowledge and leadership.”

http://wecaninternational.org/pages/forests-fossil-fuel-resistance

There are many fights going on right now – for example: Standing Rock Dakota Access Pipeline Opposition .. the megadam projects of El Bala and El Chepete which are being planned to flood Amazonionan region Bolivia – displacing people – thereby destroying their culture – and driving yet to be known species of plants and animals into extinction – for what? To generate energy for export 10 years from now with no guarantee that it will be purchased.

Here are inspiring words of my uncle, who informed me of the situation in the Amazon of Bolivia and told me to write song in protest. This is one project in the works and I hope to produce this song in collaboration with local and international artists to raise awareness.